Nothing beats the warm, flaky goodness of homemade buttermilk biscuits fresh from the oven. These biscuits are buttery, tender, and perfectly golden, making them the ideal companion for breakfast, dinner, or a comforting snack. Whether you're slathering them with butter and jam, serving them alongside sausage gravy, or enjoying them with honey, these biscuits bring back the taste of Southern comfort food at its finest.
This easy-to-follow recipe keeps things simple while ensuring light, fluffy, and delicious biscuits every time. Plus, I'll share pro tips to guarantee success, including a secret method for achieving extra flakiness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
✔ No-fail technique – Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
✔ Minimal ingredients – Simple pantry staples create magic.
✔ Soft & flaky – The balance of shortening and buttermilk ensures a tender texture.
✔ Versatile – Serve them sweet or savory, morning or night.
Ingredients (Yields about 8 biscuits)
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (approximately 300 grams) – The foundation for a soft, sturdy biscuit.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – The key to light, fluffy biscuits with a nice rise.
- 1 tablespoon white sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances browning.
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup shortening (approximately 70 grams) – Creates a tender texture and helps with flakiness. You can substitute with butter for a richer flavor.
- 1 cup buttermilk (approximately 240 ml) – Adds a slight tang and activates the baking powder for a better rise. (See substitution tip below if you don’t have buttermilk.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is crucial for getting a good rise and a golden-brown crust.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent for an even rise.
3. Cut in the Shortening
Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is what creates those delicious flaky layers. (If using butter, ensure it's cold and cut into small pieces.)
4. Add the Buttermilk
Slowly pour in the buttermilk while stirring with a fork or wooden spoon. Mix just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the biscuits tough.
5. Shape the Dough
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Gently pat or roll it out to about 1-inch thickness.
- Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out rounds. (Tip: Don’t twist the cutter. Press straight down to ensure the biscuits rise evenly.)
6. Arrange and Bake
- Place the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet, ensuring they’re touching slightly for soft sides.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the tops are a beautiful golden brown.
7. Serve Warm
Let them cool slightly, then serve warm with butter, jam, honey, or gravy.
Pro Tips for the Best Biscuits
✔ Chill the dough for extra flakiness – After mixing, refrigerate the dough for 10 minutes before rolling it out. Cold dough creates better layers and rise.
✔ No buttermilk? No problem. – Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with enough milk to make 1 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
✔ Use frozen butter for next-level flakiness – If substituting butter for shortening, try grating frozen butter into the flour for even distribution.
✔ For golden tops, brush with butter – Melted butter brushed on top right after baking gives them a delicious shine and extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile biscuits can be enjoyed in so many ways:
- Classic Breakfast: Smother with butter and homemade jam.
- Savory Twist: Pair with crispy bacon, eggs, and cheese for a breakfast sandwich.
- Southern-Style: Serve alongside fried chicken and gravy.
- Sweet Treat: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for an indulgent snack.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about homemade biscuits that store-bought versions just can’t match. This recipe gives you the perfect balance of soft, fluffy, and slightly crisp on the outside. With a few pro tips, you’ll be making bakery-quality biscuits right in your own kitchen.
Try them out, and let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite way to enjoy buttermilk biscuits?